{Wiesbaden wedding, engagement, newborn, child, family Photographer}

Pie at the Art of Living house

2011-02-04T06:19:00.003-06:00

I can't always be "all business" you know. Sometimes I have to share a little of my life with you guys.

Some of you may know that I'm starting my journey soon to become a holistic nutritionist in addition to being a lifestyle photographer. It's hard to decide on just one passion, isn't it?

I'm always looking for healthy versions of positively sinful favorites. This week was healthy sweet potato pie made by one of my favorite nutritionists: Marni Wasserman.

Get the recipe!

Amber Maternity

2011-02-04T06:08:00.002-06:00

Miss Annika

2011-01-21T04:33:00.004-06:00

Holiday Card packages!

2010-11-19T05:42:00.002-06:00

Holiday card sessions include:
up to 2 hours
unlimited wardrobe changes
50 custom designed holiday cards

Quick turn around time to family in states!

Art of Living Studios wants to

-inspire you
-know you
-amaze and be amazed by you
-befriend you
-capture you
-celebrate with you

This is about you. This is about your life, your moments, and your family. You inspire me to create a forever piece of art to carry with you no matter where live. What will you have to remember your moments?

xoxo,
Christan

http://twitter.com/artofLstudios
www.artoflivingstudios.com

Cathy + Mitchell

2010-11-17T03:40:00.002-06:00

Armstrong Family

2010-11-12T11:38:00.002-06:00

The Harris Family

2010-10-30T08:05:00.001-05:00

Has anyone else noticed?

2010-10-16T11:20:00.003-05:00

Germany is cold.

And yes, I do wear this coat in my office.

Halloween Mini Sessions

2010-10-15T05:16:00.001-05:00

Celebrating fall at Art of Living Studios

2010-10-13T14:19:00.004-05:00

I decided to be extra girly and domestic today with my butternut squash soup.

What are your holiday traditions? We love traditions and we're always looking for new ones to add to our list!

Our little German village...

2010-10-08T08:39:00.002-05:00

So many of you from the states have been asking for photos of our little German town. Here are just a few samples of what's within a 2 block radius of our house:

This is my favorite organic store though the owners think I'm crazy, I think. It's so small I can't really bring the kids inside. Good or bad thing? ;)

You know you're feeling a little bit like you're in the opening scene of Beauty and the Beast, aren't you?

This house is just hauntingly delicious:

Town hall:

George family (Wiesbaden Newborn Photographer)

2010-10-01T14:38:00.002-05:00

David + Bethany {Wiesbaden Engagement Photographer}

2010-09-22T11:40:00.006-05:00

Our first engagement session in beautiful Germany. This was on top of a hill surrounded by vineyards near downtown Wiesbaden. David and Bethany: enjoy!

Luis + Sarah

2010-04-21T13:41:00.004-05:00

Miss Leah turns 2

2010-04-19T12:14:00.004-05:00

Sarah + Phillip - MARRIED

2010-03-20T22:16:00.003-05:00

Lucky-Luxe { Letterpress stationary design }

2010-03-15T19:14:00.006-05:00

I would LOVE to take this moment to feature Erin's gorgeous work here. She is the woman behind Lucky Luxe- Couture Correspondence. She is such a beautiful person from her golden curls down to the heart of her soul. I'm just going to let her work speak for itself. You MIGHT (who are we kidding, definitely) fall in love with her, her designs, or both. Don't say I didn't warn you!

xoxo,
Christan

Owen Family { Family who laughs the most}

2010-03-07T00:08:00.003-06:00

This was the most I've ever seen a family laugh. It was wonderful. That's what happens when you have a whole lot of women and girls in the same place at the same time! I know from experience.

Alice in Wonderland {editorial }

2010-03-04T19:34:00.002-06:00

This is why I love my job.

Love.

See these photos at this event:

www.artbeatok.com/unbirthday

Boyer Wedding- favorites

2010-03-03T00:35:00.004-06:00

I wanted to showcase a few of the Boyer wedding reception favorites before I move on to posting another wedding. Enjoy!

Debi and David Boyer- Sneak peek reception

2010-01-27T01:09:00.003-06:00

Gulley Boys and their Momma

2010-01-21T22:43:00.004-06:00

A friend dear to my heart.. you might recognize her in the banner at the top of this blog. Christi sings praise and worship at our church and her voice can bring me to tears more often then not. Another boy on the way in the Gulley house!

xoxo,
Christan

Kaley + Jon- OKC Airport

2010-01-13T23:08:00.006-06:00

At first I thought Kaley had that "evanescence" look but it quickly turned to a "cameron diaz" look.

Don't you think?

Can I just say?

2010-01-06T18:05:00.002-06:00

Can I just say that my husband is wonderful?

4 years ago, I married my love in our pastor's living room with his wife and six children. There were sweaty hands, nerves, bohemian skirts, cracker crumbs, tears, laughter, red couches, sweet kisses, questions, bare feet, promises, and all the other things that go into the making of a husband and wife.

He bought me these rings after my original custom wedding ring was stolen from our home while we were at the hospital with our newborn baby girl.

I love him.

Gee family

2009-12-05T20:53:00.004-06:00

Rarely do I ever post something on the same day as a session but this one was extremely short. Why? It was 26 degrees at the lake. 26 degrees.

This is one of my past OPlove families. Daddy is home now and we are all glad! Try not to fall in love with their baby, Quinton. He has enormous puppy dog eyes. I mean it. Don't go blaming me if you catch baby fever. He will make your heart melt...even in 26 degree weather.

Mississippi Lovin' - Hope & Marcus

2009-12-03T16:12:00.009-06:00

I traveled to Mississippi for this engagement session. My wonderful cousin, Hope, is getting married. She can cripple me with laughter with just a look in her eyes. We have a ridiculous relationship that is sacred and there is no way I would trade her but I'll loan her to Marcus for a while...like maybe for the rest of her life. ;)

The horse in these photos is our grandaddy's "Sandy". Sandy and I were born on the same day and has grown old over all these years. I loved including him in this session!

Augusta Eve Cupcake Company

2009-11-17T12:11:00.007-06:00

I'm happy to spotlight Lori's company "Augusta Eve", named after her grandmother. Her cupcakes are upscale, unique, and cream filled! I love the extra care she puts into them. Just beautiful. Check out these gorgeous Red Velvet Cupcakes she brought over:

Visit her website here: Augusta Eve

Our painted family portrait

2009-11-03T12:22:00.005-06:00

The lovely Heather at Audrey Eclectic painted our family portrait. She completely customized it for us with our African sunset, Okie Tshirt, Camera in hand, my favorite flower (orchids) in our hair, and my favorite quote that my husband has written me: "I want forever, not just this life. Because just one life is not as much or as long as I want to love you." You know, that's the kind of thing you get when you marry a spoken word poet. :)

I first saw Heather's work in Arbeat, a publication for Artists that my husband and I own. So, I just had to snag one for our living room. I couldn't help myself. We LOVE our painting and will cherish it for years to come!

Here is the contact info for Heather because I know you are just dying to get one of these for your family. WHO WOULDN'T?

~Heather Sleightholm~
Artist & Owner of Audrey Eclectic

website: www.audreyeclectic.com

journal: www.reverieart.blogspot.com

shop: www.audreyeclectic.etsy.com

Mellissa and her boys

2009-11-02T20:18:00.005-06:00

This Canadian woman is hilarious and we share a lot of the same beliefs and interests. Or.. it could be that I just think her accent is so wonderful that I agree with everything she has to say. It's one of the two.. or both.

Anyway, her boys were adorable. I had way too many favorites and had a hard time narrowing them down so you will have deal with the million images tonight. :)

xoxo,
Christan

Gillespie Family

2009-10-31T14:32:00.005-05:00

I adore this family. I worked with Tiffany back when I was a part of OPlove and now we reunited for a family session. The sun was killer but I think we used it to our advantage. Enjoy your sneak peek now that daddy is home!

xoxo,
Christan

Northwest Baptist Staff photos

2009-10-14T21:47:00.003-05:00

I had the privilege of photographing the staff at Northwest Baptist 23rd Street Campus.
Luckily, I knew everyone's genuine facial expressions so they could not fool me! This was a lot of fun and we had perfect light!

xoxo,
Christan

Fall Discounts!

2009-10-10T23:58:00.001-05:00

Recipe by www.thepioneerwoman.com

Senior Representative Modeling Opportunity

2009-10-08T15:08:00.004-05:00

I'm officially looking for some BOLD and BEAUTIFUL High school Seniors for class of 2010.

As a representative for Art of Living Studios you receive:

- FREE session
- 100 photo cards
- Additional discounts
- Modeling photos for your portfolio

Email: artoflivingstudios@hotmail.com or call 405.535.2430 for details.

Space is very limited.

Heather and Josh- Tattoo Wedding

2009-09-20T21:55:00.004-05:00

Josh and Heather, I know you're anxious to see them. So, I will make this short and let the pictures speak for themselves.

Janee helps me work magic once again..

2009-09-03T21:14:00.003-05:00

So, maybe last saturday you were out having a romantic dinner or a business meeting lakeside and you saw a few girls out there goofing around with makeup and cameras. You had no idea the magic we were making... The goofing we were doing... The jokes Janee was cracking... Not to mention her bossing. Watch out for that bossing! She will make you look hot so you better close your mouth and do what she says!

You might remember Janee from a Paseo TTD shoot earlier this year. Or maybe you saw her half naked on the news promoting Mariposa lipo treatments...Either way, she owns the Oxford Spa and Salons www.theoxfordspasalon.com . She started out as a makeup artist but has turned into my creative director. You could say she wears the pants in our relationship and I'm okay with that. And well, she IS the one that makes me look so beautiful.. but ANYWAY...

This is Jackie. My first Senior Representative for class of 2010. She is Vietnamese American and drop dead gorgeous. Check it out! If you are interested in becoming a Senior Rep. for Art of Living Studios contact me to see if you are eligible.

xoxo,
Christan

King family

2009-08-17T21:24:00.005-05:00

I think they had the biggest backyard I've ever seen. They had rustic benches and honeysuckle vines that looked like a paradise. Add in a gorgeous sunset and a flawless family = photo bliss. Here's your sneak peek guys!

xoxo,
Christan

Winner of Art of Living Studios first contest is....

2009-08-12T22:32:00.001-05:00

Katie Spankins!

Congrats! 1/2 A portrait or engagement session!

xoxo,
Christan

Kyleigh- 3 different dance attitudes

2009-08-07T10:53:00.003-05:00

My neice Kyleigh wanted to showcase her 3 dance outfits in this photo session. In every dance outfit she was a little actress playing the parts of hip hop dancer, ballerina, and just being silly. My favorite part about these is the missing tooth though. So cute!

Sarah and Phillip {engaged}

2009-08-01T23:25:00.004-05:00

Finally! I got to capture my old friend and her new fiance! They are both sweethearts and have eyes that will just make your heart stop. Don't believe me? Scroll down.. you will see. I cannot wait to photograph their wedding in February!

xoxo,
Christan

Leanna + Baby Z

2009-07-30T22:30:00.006-05:00

Leanna and I drove all the way back out to Mustang for this session. There isn't much country around downtown OKC, you know. We found a beautiful winding road by my old house and with a little help from brewing storm clouds.. we had a perfect shoot! I'm about 99% sure everyone that drove by thought we were completely out of our minds.

Art of Living Studios' first contest!

2009-07-25T15:36:00.003-05:00

As a big thank you to my blog followers and facebook fans I'm hosting a 50% off session contest. Just comment below with your most embarrassing story. Don't worry, you don't have to have the best embarrassing story to win. I will draw names randomly. We could just hold a boring contest but who wants to live without laughing? So, go ahead and spill your story! You might be the lucky winner of a HALF OFF Custom Portrait Session.

Doyle's family 4th of July

2009-07-12T01:44:00.000-05:00

Doyle's family was just wonderful! We did this session OUTSIDE DURING A THUNDERSTORM on the 4th of July. We huddled up on the porch and grabbed these images while one of the lovely ladies held an umbrella over me. Between the laughs and cupcakes we shared...It just doesn't get any better than that! ;) Doyle, I loved your family and I hope we keep in touch! Here are a few of my faves from the night.

xoxo,
Christan

Another OPlove session

2009-06-24T09:55:00.000-05:00

Adria and Tiffany decided to combine their OPlove sessions. We had a blast chasing the kids down the hills at Memorial Park and watching them splash in puddles near the names of lost soldiers. I can't wait to send these pictures off to their daddies.

xoxo,
Christan

Brigett and her beautiful family

2009-06-20T20:44:00.000-05:00

Brigett's family was so much fun to shoot. They were so energetic, warm, and genuine. I hope we keep in touch through the years! I hope you like this sneak peek!

xoxo,
Christan

3 minute session with the Listons

2009-06-16T07:48:00.000-05:00

We literally only had a few minutes to snap these on the way to dinner. This is my husband's good friend and his children. Gorgeous family, right? I know.

Parsons family American/British

2009-05-28T01:13:00.000-05:00

Janee's family was visiting from England and I'm so happy we could run out to a gorgeous field to take advantage! Great family session! Her boys look like cuddlebugs in these don't they? ;) Those are the best kind of boys anyway. I hope this will hold you over until I get back from my trip Janee!

xoxo,
Christan

I decided to take a different approach to editing this time. It's a little more vintage than my normal work but it suited the day. It was a stormy day except.. the clouds were just angry and there was no rain. The wind was going strong and I found myself listening to Coldplay's "Trouble" while editing. It made it all seem so whimsical and surreal.

I thought back to how I sat in Janee's living room, flipping through Vogue while talking to her MIL about England. I thought about how she would be eager to see them and I just couldn't break her heart by making her wait until she went back. She had to see them now. :)

As you can tell.. the boys were thrilled to take this next picture. ;)

S- Family

2009-05-22T00:45:00.000-05:00

LaDonna and her husband have the most beautiful little girl. She is the same age as my toddler so it was all VERY familiar. ;) This family was making me laugh. "We aren't a family that takes subtle directions very well so if we look stupid, just tell us."

You guys did well. ;)

I hope you love your sneak peek!

xoxo,
Christan

Putnam-Koktavy family sneak peek

2009-05-13T23:55:00.000-05:00

The Putnam family has a beautiful home near Mesta Park. We decided to use that home to tell their story. We had a cloudy day with lots of natural light filtering through the windows. Their girls were just beautiful. Thank you guys for allowing me into your lives. :)

xoxo,
Christan

Chris and Christi <3

2009-05-12T09:35:00.000-05:00

We had a fantastic couples session at Cuppies and Joe's in okc. Christi is actually the female worship leader at my church. Small world, indeed. I had a great time with you guys! Christi and Chris claimed they weren't sure of what they were doing.. but as you can tell.. they were pros. ;)

xoxo,
Christan

Shar

2009-05-10T00:28:00.001-05:00

Shar has been my friend for quite a while. She wanted a shoot with me so she could feel beautiful. She is one of the most amazing people on the inside and out that I know. There's never a dull moment with her and I don't know what I'd do without her sometimes!

Love you, Shar!

xoxo,
Christan

Melanie- The Author

2009-05-07T23:26:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of shooting some headshots for an Oklahoma Author! She has 4 kids and runs a playgroup on top of the job she already has.. talk about work. ;) Whew. Mel, you are a strong woman! Yes, those are her real eyes! I didn't change the color in case you were wondering. ;)

xoxo,
Christan

Audri and Tom

2009-05-04T21:57:00.000-05:00

I dare you to find a more romantic story than this couple! Audri was in a terrible car accident and Tom took care of her/visited her in the hospital until she fell in love with him too. Of course now she has recovered and is no longer in wheel chair. What an amazing woman to overcome something like that! They are genuinely warm hearted people and I feel that I'm better for having known them.... even just for a few hours. Best of luck Tom and Audri!

xoxo,
Christan

Jessica's Sneak Peek

2009-05-03T22:40:00.000-05:00

Jessica was so much fun to be around! Although she tried to be serious in her photos.. I wasn't gonna have that! She was laughing at how many times I said "Stop being serious!!!". I'm sure she thought I was crazy.. but it was worth it to get her to show her beautiful smile. Thanks, Jessica!

xoxo,
Christan

The "E" Family Sneak Peek

2009-04-26T17:09:00.000-05:00

The "E" family was busy busy busy. It didn't stop them from laughing or looking gorgeous though. I'm a sucker for outtakes and there were so many good ones from this session.

This is Savannah. She did not like the idea of taking her portrait at all. I had to be awfully sneaky with her. Aren't you just in love with her freckles?!?!

Mamas make the best Easter Bunnies

2009-04-15T00:08:00.000-05:00

Easter Isn't Easy

I heard a little bunny say,
"I just go nuts on Easter day.
I hide about a zillion eggs
And baskets tangle up my legs.

"I'm tired, my eyes are full of tears
And overflowing to my ears.
If I'm to work more Easter Days
At my age I should change my ways

"I know I must do something rash
So I'll start saving all my cash
Then next year, with a little luck
I'll deliver in my pick up truck."

-----------------------------
I did not write this poem, however, I love it.

We had a great big cookout next door at my inlaw's. We had a great time laughing at the babies who were confused and the little girls stuffing their faces with chocolates.

Happy Easter everyone!

xoxo,
Christan

and finally... one of me.

Fortenberry Slideshow

2009-04-09T13:02:00.001-05:00

More pics from their wonderful day! This is their "song".

Haley with a heart of GOLD

2009-04-04T23:49:00.000-05:00

This session was actually a POST bridal session. Very natural.. very let loose! This was the fastest photoshoot I think I've ever had. It only took us 20 minutes to get these stunning images of this personal trainer. Haley actually loans her dress to other women around the US that can't afford a wedding dress. Can you believe that? What an amazing woman!

Beautiful Paseo Model

2009-04-02T09:26:00.000-05:00

This is Chelsea. Isn't she gorgeous?
Janee Parsons was our fabulous makeup artist. She owns The Oxford Salons in Yukon and Edmond.
I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Heartbreaking OPlove session

2009-03-26T09:36:00.000-05:00

Warning: Very emotional content

These beautiful little girls were a joy to watch. They were so funny telling me about each other when the other one would leave the room. The oldest was holding a picture of her daddy looking so proud when it starting getting to her how much she missed him. It broke my heart to see her so genuinely sad. The younger one was very tricky but I think we snuck some good shots. ;) Their daddy will be coming home in a few months and I hope to be there to document his arrival also. I feel for them but I am lucky that my children are still young enough not to realize their daddy is overseas. What a gorgeous family!

***The photos and other content of this publication do not imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.***

Motherhood Collection

2009-03-25T14:05:00.000-05:00

Announcing my new motherhood collection!

Announcing my new motherhood collection.

Fortenberry Wedding aka Most Amazing Couple ever..

2009-03-22T22:33:00.000-05:00

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE shooting weddings? I love the pressure... I love the emotions.. I thrive in this type of environment. It's exhilarating and I absolutely cannot get enough of it. This particular wedding, though, was emotional for me. I think I starting crying 5 times and forced myself to stop being a baby and take pictures. ;) I even teared up while editing. I just love Melissa, Clint, and their families. They have this positive energy flowing all around them that is addictive. The reception was such a blast. I was singing along with all the songs while I was shooting. I'm so grateful I got to be a part of it! Enjoy your new lives together!

xoxo
Christan

This next set is from my partner and good friend Jeff. I cannot stress how vital it is to have two photographers at a wedding. Two different photographers catching different moments with they're own artistic visions. His eye is one of a kind and we always have a blast shooting together.

Kristlyn 3yr old SNEAK PEEK

2009-03-17T10:45:00.000-05:00

This family is near and dear to my heart. We met at an Easter photoshoot and haven't been able to stay away from each other. Her momma and daddy are some of the funniest people I've met in my life. Thank you guys for being there for me through the hard times and the best. XOXO

Aren't you just in love with her curls????

This next picture is Jeff. He is an amazing photographer and friend. He drove with me to Texas to shoot Melissa/Clint's wedding (coming soon!!!).

Here is a couple of Kristlyn from Jeff's point of view:

For more of Jeff's work go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/flesheaterphotography

Black and Whites for all you artsy types to enjoy

2009-03-10T23:43:00.000-05:00

Baby Griffin is 4 months old!

2009-02-28T22:47:00.000-06:00

30 min at the zoo

2009-02-07T09:31:00.000-06:00

The zoo changed their hours and now they close at 5pm. How silly is that? We had to do a run through. I think we saw 2 bears, a couple of fish, and a tiger. This is my sister/brother in law and my nieces. My daughter/son are in a couple too. Enjoy!

Kristina

2009-01-30T12:46:00.000-06:00

A few more for Amanda

2009-01-29T15:04:00.000-06:00

Almost finished..

Military families

2009-01-29T10:38:00.000-06:00

Amanda's getting married

2009-01-22T00:13:00.000-06:00

Peace, Love, and Joi

2009-01-12T15:28:00.001-06:00

Gorgeous Maternity Couple

2009-01-07T22:07:00.000-06:00

Baby Benjamin

2009-01-05T23:47:00.001-06:00

Baby Griffin

2008-12-29T02:18:00.000-06:00

Please excuse the low resolution.

Sneak Peak for Tiffany

2008-12-20T01:20:00.000-06:00

More to come next week!

Last batch of Holiday Cards for 2008....

2008-12-19T21:27:00.000-06:00

Sweetpeas

2008-12-16T12:43:00.000-06:00

What do you photographers do in a power outage? Take pictures of their babies.

A sunny day in winter

2008-12-11T08:15:00.001-06:00

Staci was hilarious and her boys were lil sweethearts! (I know that's not what little boys want to hear.)

Nature

2008-06-24T20:03:00.000-05:00